The Financial Assistance Program gives support to people in financial need for transportation and accommodation when travelling to and from treatment at cancer treatment facilities in Alberta.
The amount of financial support available depends on:
You must demonstrate financial need for the program based on an assessment of means during the application process. A situational assessment will be conducted, taking into account factors affecting current financial status, including net income, number of dependents, travel distance and extenuating circumstances. If you wish, you may apply a portion of your approved assistance to expenses incurred by a caregiver, up to the maximum assistance amount.
This program has limited resources and may not cover total costs. However, we make every effort to relieve the financial hardship that may be associated with travelling to treatment centres.
What you need to know
The Financial Assistance Program is not available to people who are eligible for or receiving assistance through other organizations or government programs, such as AISH. If you are eligible for those services, contact the appropriate provincial or federal government agencies.
This program is funded entirely through donations to the Canadian Cancer Society Alberta/NWT Division from people who wish to help others during their cancer journey.
How to apply
1. Print and fill out the
application form.
2. Attach income and treatment schedule verification.
3. Send the completed application to your local Canadian Cancer Society office, as indicated on the first page of the form.
Compassionate Financial Assistance Program
For end-of-life costs, the Compassionate Financial Assistance Program provides modest support to those who have been diagnosed as palliative and have exhausted all other means of financial support.
For more information on the Compassionate Financial Assistance Program, contact your local Canadian Cancer Society Office.
Alberta resources
Alberta seniors benefit
The Alberta Seniors Benefit program is an income-based program that provides a monthly cash benefit and determines Alberta Health Insurance premium exemptions for eligible seniors.
Special needs assistance for seniors
The Special Needs Assistance for Seniors program is an income-based program that provides a lump-sum cash payment to lower-income seniors facing financial difficulties.
Assured income for the severely handicapped
Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) provides financial and health benefits for adult Albertans who have a permanent disability that severely impairs their ability to earn a living. The level of benefits depends on income and assets. The maximum living allowance is $1000 per month, and additional benefits (personal income support benefits) may be provided to meet clients’ special needs.
Alberta aids to daily living
The Alberta Aids to Daily Living program helps Albertans with a long-term disability, chronic illness or terminal illness to maintain their independence at home, in lodges or group homes by providing financial assistance to buy medical equipment and supplies. An assessment by a health care professional determines the equipment and supplies that an Albertan can receive through this program.
Income support
Income Support from Alberta Human Resources and Employment provides financial benefits to individuals and families who do not have the resources to meet their basic needs, like food, clothing and shelter.
Northwest Territories resources
Federal resources
DrugCoverage.ca
This site allows Canadians to view what health benefits are available to them through private insurance plans, provincial/territorial drug benefit programs or federal programs. This site is non-commercialized and does not accept sponsorship or advertising.
Human resources and skills development Canada
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada has a number of income security programs including Employment Insurance Sick Benefits, the Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security, Canada Pension Disability Benefits and Guaranteed Income Supplement, as well as the Allowance and the Allowance for the Survivor.